Illinois Republicans rip Democrats ahead of pension special session

Armando L. Sanchez, Chicago Tribune

House Republican Leader Tom Cross takes the stage during Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. Cross of Oswego called on Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to "quit the games" that have led to deadlock on pension legislation that would rein in costs of a retirement system hurtling toward a $93 billion debt by next summer.

House Republican Leader Tom Cross takes the stage during Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. Cross of Oswego called on Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to "quit the games" that have led to deadlock on pension legislation that would rein in costs of a retirement system hurtling toward a $93 billion debt by next summer. (Armando L. Sanchez, Chicago Tribune)

Ray Long and Monique GarciaClout Street

SPRINGFIELD --- Republicans leaders today wasted no time laying the blame for the state's financial woes at the feet of powerful House Speaker Michael Madigan and his fellow Democrats, saying that now is the time to act like adults and pass sorely needed pension reforms.

GOP officials celebrated Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair with a volley of sharp attacks as lawmakers prepare for Democratic Gov.Pat Quinn's call for Friday's special session on pensions. The gathering comes with no expectation of a major pension breakthrough, particularly one that could sput already angry unions to hurt Democrats in the November election.

House Republican Leader Tom Cross of Oswego called on Madigan to "quit the games" that have led to deadlock on pension legislation that would rein in costs of a retirement system hurtling toward a $93 billion debt by next summer.

"I think Mike needs to look in the mirror and accept the fact that he's been here for 40 years, and every single problem we have has his fingerprints on it," said Cross, adding, "We all need to act like adults, quit the politics and get this done."

Cross' comments picked right up on the overwhelming round of boos that Quinn, Madigan and other Democrats received during their own day at the fair Wednesday. Hordes of angry union workers minced no words voicing their opposition to any Democratic effort to cut pensions, including shouting down the governor at his own rally.

"Have you ever seen such a muddle on the Democratic end in your life?" asked GOP Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, reveling at how she "felt a little sorry for the good governor yesterday, but you know, he kind of asked for it."

"When you see Democrats fighting within their ranks like that," Topinka said, "sometimes you just want to stand back and watch it explode."

Quinn wants lawmakers to pass comprehensive changes for four state pension systems covering elected officials, university workers, rank-and-file state government workers, and the suburban and downstate public school teachers.

The most contentious part would require workers and retirees to make a choice on whether to take less for their pensions or give up health care. Retirees are angry because they believe the state had guaranteed their pensions would not be reduced and promised that their health benefits would always be provided.

Madigan also has added a condition in the teacher pension plan that is unacceptable to Republicans. He has called for gradually shifting the state's annual costs of up to $800 million onto local school districts.

Madigan's argument is that Chicago property taxpayers already cover the costs of public school teachers in Chicago, and Quinn is on board with making the change.

Cross and Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont charge that type of cost shift will drive up property taxes everywhere except Chicago, a politically unpopular move among their constituents.

"It's just simply not fair that the Chicago Democrats want to solve their problem on the backs of suburban and Downstate taxpayers," Radogno said.